Victorian Cricket has been caught unawares by Will Pucovski’s retirement, talks of compensation

Despite acknowledging ongoing conversations with Will Pucovski for a long time, it’s understood Cricket Victoria were unaware he was announcing his retirement until it aired on radio.

Victoria was caught unawares by Will Pucovski’s retirement announcement and claim there has been no talk of compensation over his tragic exit from the game.

The matter appears far from resolved with Pucovski hiring a lawyer and exploring the possibility of legal action after being advised by a panel of medical experts to retire due to a harrowing history with concussion and mental health.

Pucovski suffered a blow to the helmet while playing for Victoria against Tasmania in March last year and retirement has long been anticipated given he has not played since and sat out the entirety of last season.

But despite acknowledging they’ve been in ongoing conversations with Pucovski for a long time, it’s understood Cricket Victoria were unaware Pucovski was to announce his retirement until his interview aired with Gerard Whateley on SEN on Tuesday.

Pucovski assisted from the field after that heavy blow during the Sheffield Shield last year. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Will Pucovski playing for Victoria in 2023. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

It’s been reported that Pucovski remains in unresolved talks with Cricket Victoria about the financial terms of his departure from professional cricket, however, CV chief executive Nick Cummins insists that is not the case.

“Cricket Victoria doesn’t have a claim from Will’s lawyers and there is no settlement in discussion,” Cummins said.

Pucovski is contracted with Cricket Victoria until the end of June.

Cricket Victoria indicated in a media statement released in response to Pucovski’s announcement on Tuesday that it was not aware a public announcement of his retirement was coming.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins speaks to the media in December. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“Cricket Victoria acknowledges the comments Will Pucovski made in a media interview this morning,” a CV spokesperson said.

“Cricket Victoria has been in ongoing conversations with Will and his management for a considerable period of time.

“We note that he has indicated in the interview that he will not be playing cricket again at any level.

“We have been actively involved with Will since his debut in 2017 and remain committed to working on the next steps with him and his team.”

Pucovski is taking legal advice from Peter Gordon, a well-known lawyer who is a former president of the Western Bulldogs, as the one Test player continues to investigate his options after being advised by medical experts to retire.

Former Western Bulldogs’ president Peter Gordon is helping Will Pucovski. Picture: Supplied

Legal action has not been ruled out in the highly complex and sensitive debate, but as it stands CV maintain there is no payout in the works.

Back in February 2024, a month before he was struck by Meredith, Pucovski gave an interview where he talked about a “link” between mental health challenges and the multiple concussions he had suffered in his career.

On Tuesday, Pucovski – the best batting talent of his generation – gave a heartbreaking account of the impact he is still experiencing in his day-to-day life.

“I felt so bad immediately after being hit in a physical sense (by Meredith) … and the dread probably came a bit later,” he told Whateley.

“Riley is one of the fastest bowlers and it got me in a bad spot. I was struggling to get anything done. Even just walking around the house was a struggle.

“My fiancé wasn’t happy because I could not contribute to any of the chores. I was sleeping a lot.

“I have spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to find answers. I have seen a heap of experts … but unfortunately it has got to the stage where I am still suffering and don’t really have the answers.

“Mental health is one part of it – that is related to the concussion stuff. I suffer from fatigue.

“One bizarre thing is I struggle with things on my left side. I am 27 and hopefully I have a good life ahead of me.”

Originally published as Victorian Cricket has been caught unawares by Will Pucovski’s retirement, talks of compensation